Aurora University Athletics

NCHA Men's Hockey Defensive Player of the Week
Thornton earned the NCHA Defensive Player of the Week for the first time in his career, as the newcomer continues his impressive freshman campaign. Thornton helped the Spartans jump from No. 12 in the national poll all the way up two No. 7 by backstopping the pair of thrilling victories over No. 5 St. Norbert. In the two games he stopped 112 of the 115 shots (.974 save percentage) sent his way with an AU record setting 65 saves in the opening night 3-1 win - including an amazing 24 in the third period alone. He then added 47 more saves (4 in OT) in the 3-2 overtime win the next night, limiting the Green Knights to just one goal in 12 power-play opportunities in the series.